Joanne Kay Poole

Joanne's funeral will be broadcast at the following link: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/68828

Joanne Kay Powers Poole, 75, died February 3, 2022 of covid related pneumonia.  She was born in Boise Idaho January 27, 1947, the youngest daughter of Bernice and Robert Powers.

Joanne lived and worked in Boise the majority of her adult life. She attended Boise High School and Boise State University. After earning a master’s degree in social work, she worked as a mental health therapist in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Pocatello, and Kerrville, Texas for the VA. She had a particular gift with counseling Vietnam Veterans.

She managed Red Steer with her husband Ken M. Wood. They met and married on May 13, 1967. Five children were born: Janet Lee, Carole Ann, Tricia Lynn, Judy Christine, and Robert Marvin. They lived and worked in Boise for 27 years together.

Later in life she married her eternal companion Lynn Max Poole of Rigby, Idaho. They co-owned and operated Alpine Counseling in Rexburg, Idaho and had a mediation business together. They were always great partners working toward a positive outcome for all who solicited their services.

From her daughter’s Facebook post: My mom loved babies. She told me, “I loved having babies.” She had 4 daughters and a son. Her favorite job was working at the Red Steer drive in on Broadway in Boise. Her 2nd favorite was working as a mental health therapist for over 25 years. She didn’t retire until she was 72 because she loved to work so much. She had many dear good friends but her childhood friend Bonnie was her soulmate for 65 years. She loved her 3 sisters, enjoying an idyllic childhood in Boise, and she relished every moment she could spend with them: Sharon, Peggy, and Judy. Her very best friend was her husband Lynn Poole who passed 2 years ago. She kept pictures of him in every room. She said she could hear him come in the back door some days and say, “Joanne? Are you ready to go?” She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially reading the Book of Mormon repeatedly. She read every Ensign published her entire life cover to cover. She had a gift of listening to others share their life stories and had a knack for getting their troubles sorted out, but mostly she left them feeling better than when they walked in her door. She adored her cousins and coworkers, her nieces and nephews. She would often say how proud she was of each of her kids, their spouses, and grandchildren. She was generous with her money to a fault. She was happy to order a meal to be delivered to you any time, yet she could cook the most comfort food meal you’ve ever had. All were welcome at the table. She delighted most in hosting holiday dinners and wanting to make sure everyone had enough. You did good Mom! So glad you’re home now.

She is survived by four daughters Janet (Tate) Carter of Idaho Falls, Carole Simmons of Washington, Tricia Ellinger of Emmett, and Judy (Ryan) Leonard of Utah, Lynn’s children Brik (Karen) Poole of New Braunfels, Texas, Shauna (Steven) Wahnschaffe of Rigby, Idaho, and Renae (Jared) Sullivan of Columbus, Ohio. She is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Eckersell Funeral Home Monday, February 7, 2022, 2:00 p.m., with a viewing from 1 – 2:00 p.m., prior funeral services. Interment will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com